I’d like to add do the same activities you did in your old house. Ie movie night, game night, bake cookies, etc. Whatever activity you did as a family.

We’ve been in our new house almost 2 weeks as well. Our oldest (12) got off the bus in tears the last day of school (broke my heart), we moved the next day. The new house is great we have a lot more space,inside and out, but it is hard. A lot of the things you’ve mentioned have helped us. Going from an urban to suburban setting, the kids have really enjoyed ridding their bikes all around the neighborhood. Our oldest told a friend she was so happy we’re able to cook again “I hate fast food”. Parenting win! I thought that would have been the kids favorite part, maybe her brothers would disagree. :) I can’t wait to see how you transform your new space. Sending good vibes from KY!

With my first major move, I decided to buy a new, bigger, bed, leaving the old one behind. I thought this made sense. But, I found I didn’t sleep well. My sheets were all new, I couldn’t find the sweet spot to fall asleep. It took forever for my new bed to feel like my bed. Routines helped. Regular bedtime and wake up. My morning cup of tea. Wearing all my favorite comfy clothes helped. My threadbare pajamas! Try to change as few things as possible. For Willow, I would recommend you get her into her new routine as quickly as possible. The familiar is comforting.

My most recent move was to a town I’d never been to. It’s a big town, one hundred square miles. Everyday I would drive around, randomly turning down different roads, exploring new neighborhoods, stopping at different cafes, until I felt like I knew the place. Well, enough to feel comfortable. I still am finding spots I never noticed. So fun.

Great ideas, thank you. I have made 5 long distance moves in my adult life. I find that it is extremely helpful to join the local library as soon as you get to your new place. Besides the obvious benefits of books, libraries have tons of helpful resources such adult coffee groups and classes, children’s story hours, book clubs, museum and zoo passes – all of which can help to meet people and get to know the area. I also find a place to work out; a Y, local gym, or even walking trails. I also spend time just walking around the neighborhood; it’s a good way to casually meet neighbors. Then, find your closest coffee shop, grocery store, and public park. If you are moving in the summer with kids, find the playgrounds at or near their future schools; you might meet other kids and parents that way. Also sign the kids up for summer camp and/or summer sports leagues at a place near (or recommended by their school). Again, you are all likely to meet kids and families this way. Moving is hard; I am doing it again this summer. Good luck to anyone who is also moving soon. You can do it!

The hanging art thing is HUGE. We had someone give us the advice to live in your space for six months before hanging art. I made it a whole 4 days and had to get my things up on the walls. Their advice came from a place of helping yourself adjust to the new place and time to know exactly where you wanted everything. You may have had a piece that has always hung in your bedroom but not works better in an office or family room, and that living in a blank slate will help you re-envision your art in the new place. Well, I have no problem moving art around and changing things up so I just went for it and got stuff on the walls.
Also, 100% agree with having friends over and also making a meal, you can also add bake cookies it builds memories and helps your house smell like home.

I felt this same way when we moved houses. Our old house was beautiful and “done” – I was so proud to have buyers comment on how they wanted to live there. Our new house was large enough for our growing family but so outdated. It gave me the blues for a little while thinking “What did we do? Why would we leave such a beautiful place?” but it also was so exciting to plan a new space and see how we could make it even better than our old home. Two years in and it finally feels like us. No regrets, it was the best move we could have made for our family. I can’t wait to see how you put your stamp on the new place! It’s got great bones and I look forward to all the CLJ inspo!

I’m going to be saving these tips for the end of the year when we move from Pennsylvania to Arizona to begin retirement! Talk about making adjustments!! I would also include the things you can do outside your house that’ll make you feel more “at home.” Find a grocery store that you like and feel most comfortable in. Locate your local post office/fed ex/ups. Find the store where you buy your household goods. My husband is a civilian Army employee, and we’ve had to relocate every 3-5 years—that also included staying somewhere like the Residence Inn for three months!

I also found that giving the house that first cleaning made it feel more like my own.

Hanging your art where you want it is HUGE. Every wall in our house has to be repaired and we don’t want to add more unnecessary holes, so we’ve been playing the “existing nail game” (where you just throw your art on whatever nails are leftover in the walls already) for almost 2 years now. It’s such a relief when we get a room knocked out and get to a point where you can hang something with intention. It’s only happened for 2.5 out of 12 spaces, but progress, not perfection amirite?

The last picture posted in your stories the other day with stone and blue/gray window was so awesome! Hope you do something like that. Love the board and batten but black is too heavy and stark…for shutters too. Soften it up a bit. You guys are great! Love your posts and you!

Oh my gosh, I’m struggling with this so bad. We recently moved cross country and are in a temporary furnished apartment until our stuff catches up with us (10+ days after we expected it to). I can’t wait to be able to implement some of these suggestions!